Sector

The UK’s business travel spend in 2016 rose almost 7 percent to £39 billion, according to the Global Business Travel Association Foundation. China had the largest market, growing 9.2 percent to $318 billion (£245 billion), and India the strongest market growth, of 11.4 percent to $33 billion (£25 billion). Global spend was $1.3 trillion (£1 trillion). From Meetpie.com…

The second quarter of 2017 saw the 15th consecutive rise of events budgets in the UK, according to the Q2 IPA Bellwether Report. But the average increase itself is falling. Digital marketing is a new trend – with its demonstrable return on investment – as is increasing uncertainty surrounding Brexit and the UK General Election result. From Meetpie.com…

The UK Conference and Meeting Survey 2017 (UKCAMS) says the UK industry is running its largest number of events for a decade. The report says the industry is worth about £19.4 billion in venue and destination direct spend. But as meetings increase, their average size has decreased, keeping the sector’s value constant. Photo: Martin Pettitt. From Meetpie.com…

Edinburgh Napier University (ENU) and the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) have joined forces to offer the UK’s first master’s degree in business events. The course will accept its initial intake of students this September. ENU has developed the syllabus, and the EICC will provide guest lecturers and make work placements available for students. Photo: Stewart Attwood. From Meetpie.com…

Reaction from the meetings and events sector to the United Kingdom general election result has been swift and scathing. Conservative Prime Minister Theresa May had called the early vote to win a mandate for herself and strengthen her majority as Britain enters its Brexit negotiations. The gamble failed, leaving the country in yet more uncertainty. From Meetpie.com…

Bursaries of up to £2,500 are being made available to meetings industry employers taking on apprentices. The Events Apprenticeship Support Scheme has been launched by MPI UK & Ireland, and its grants will be for companies offering apprenticeships under the Government-supported “trailblazer” standard. Funds are to be raised at a charity party being held after The Meetings Show. From Meetpie.com…